2025 Second Time Arounders Key West Trip
Once again The Second Time Arounders will be the Southernmost Adult Marching Band! Join us in celebrating Conch Republic Independence Day with a lively parade down Duval Street and plenty of band shenanigans in Key West.
This is a bit different from our Dublin and New York City (Macy’s) trips because there is no tour company involved, hence there will not be any ‘packages’. We hope this ‘freestyle’ trip will give members the flexibility to have an amazing time in Key West.
Who? All band members and tagalongs are encouraged to attend. To perform with the Rounders in Key West you must be a registered member. Members can register here if you haven’t already. If you registered AFTER July of 2024 you do not need to register again. If you have questions about your registration status please email 2xamarchingband@gmail.com.
What? The Conch Republic Independence Day Parade
When? April 23rd – April 27th 2025 with the parade in the evening on April 24th
Where? Duval Street in Key West, Florida
Option 1 – Band hotel block. The band has a hotel block with Key West Historic Inns. Book your room in the block using the links below:
The deadline to book in the band block has passed.
- – One night deposit is required at booking, the room must be paid in full by January 23, 2025
- – The last day to cancel the room without penalty is January 22 at noon
- – Fees are included in the price listed on the booking link
- -Taxes are not included and will be added on at checkout
Option 2- Choose your own adventure. Key West has plenty of hotels, motels, campgrounds, and naval base accommodations. Rooms are booking out quickly, so book early if you want a room somewhere.
Members are on their own for transportation to Key West. A few options:
Drive (6 hrs 44 mins 410 miles from St. Pete)
Fly to Key West Airport EYW ( Allegiant from St Pete Clearwater Airport PIE) ( American Airlines, Delta, Silver, United from Tampa Airport TPA)
Key West Express Ferry from Ft Meyers (on discount sale right now!)
Flixbus ( from St Pete, Tampa or Orlando)
Will there be a rehearsal?
Rehearsal for Key West is April 15th at Allendale United Methodist Church, 7-9 PM
Can non-band members come too?
Yes! We encourage members to bring tagalongs.
Will there be an equipment truck?
The equipment truck is an RV this time! Dr. Joe Sabadish has generously offered to transport all equipment and instruments that cannot be carried by their owners/users to the Keys, in the undercarriage of his RV.
- -The RV for equipment transport will be parked at Dish’s house:
- -1969 72nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg
- -Loading Times: Monday, April 22nd – afternoon and evening
- -Please make sure your gear is loaded during this window.
- -The truck will be as close as possible to the parade start location so you can retrieve your gear
- -After the concert, return gear to the truck
- -Follow John Green to the truck’s location (likely within a block)
- -The RV returns to St. Pete on Sunday, May 4th
- -You may pick up your instrument/gear anytime on Monday, May 5th
Note this is a week after most Rounders will be returning. If you need anything prior to that date, DO NOT send it back on the RV!
I would like a roommate/carpool buddy/ but don’t have one yet. How do I find one?
To find a roommate ask around at rehearsal or ask in our Facebook Group.
Will there be a concert?
- After the parade, head about 2 blocks to Sloppy Joe’s (corner of Duval and Green)
- We will perform a joint concert with the Key West High School Band at this location
What’s the deal with the parade?
43rd Annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration Parade
On the evening of Thursday April 24th, this world-famous, quirky, and colorful parade celebrates the Conch Republic Independence and runs down Duval Street from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, ending at Schooner Wharf Bar, KW Historic Seaport.
